Roller skate

ABSTRACT

A roller skate has a frame formed of a short length of sturdy, generally rectangular channel material having two opposed side walls and a sole plate or floor extending therebetween. A large diameter wheel is secured to each end of each side wall, to define a widely spaced rectangular wheel array providing a stable skate platform. The high attachment of the large diameter wheels places the sole plate immediately adjacent the underlying surface when the wheels are resting on that surface, for greater stability. Instep and heel straps extend from single central attachment points along each side wall, with the present skate being essentially longitudinally and laterally symmetrical. Provision may be made for vertical and/or lateral adjustment of the wheels relative to the skate frame, if so desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to wheeled skates, andmore particularly to a roller skate having a chassis or frame formed ofa length of rectangular channel. The four relatively, large diameterwheels extend from the upper walls of the channel, thereby placing thefloor or sole plate of the frame very close to the underlying surfacefor optimum stability.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] The basic concept of the roller skate, with relatively smalldiameter wheels disposed beneath a sole plate for attachment to orcarrying a shoe thereon, has been known for some time. While this basicconfiguration has been popular for recreation, sports, and even limitedtransportation, it has its deficiencies. The greatest deficiency of thisconventional type of skate is the relatively high center of gravity andnarrow wheel track provided by placing the wheels directly beneath thesole plate of the skate, emulating the earlier developed ice skate withits narrow blade and shoe structure atop the blade.

[0005] Accordingly, a number of variations on the conventional rollerskate have been developed over the years, with many of these variationshaving the wheels extending to the sides of the skate body rather thanbeneath the body or sole plate. The primary reason for this constructionby earlier patentees, was to provide relatively large diameter wheelsfor operation on relatively rough and unimproved surfaces, as was thenorm until relatively recent times. As such, those earlier skates wereconstructed with various wheel configurations, but no such large wheeledearlier skates utilized a four wheel configuration, with the wheelsdeployed in a rectangular array at the corners of the skate body forstability. Rather, those earlier large wheeled skates teach away fromthe concept of stability, by providing three wheeled configurations,and/or wheels having different diameters from one another, etc., forvarious purposes.

[0006] Accordingly, a need will be seen for a roller skate formed of arelatively short, sturdy length of channel, having a width sufficientlywide for the skater to place his or her shoe therein. The upstandingside walls of the channel provide for the attachment of axles extendingtherefrom, for the placement of a wheel adjacent each corner of thegenerally rectangular channel section. The walls are sufficiently highto allow installation of relatively large diameter wheels, while stillplacing the floor of the channel relatively close to the underlyingsurface. Means are also provided for vertical and lateral adjustment ofthe wheels on the skate body.

[0007] A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor isaware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention,is provided below.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 96,117 issued on Oct. 26, 1869 to N. W. Hubbard,titled “Parlor Skate,” describes a wheeled skate having a sole platewith three arms extending laterally upwardly therefrom. Each arm has anaxle at its upper end, with a large diameter wheel mounted thereon. Theresult places the sole plate relatively close to the underlying surface.However, Hubbard provides only one wheel on the inboard side, with theopposite two wheels not being in alignment with one another due to theiroverlapping diameters. The point of the Hubbard skate is clearlyoperation over rough surfaces, as indicated in column 2, lines 9-13 ofthe disclosure. The result is neither as sturdy nor as stable as thepresent skate.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 233,845 issued on Nov. 2, 1880 to Washington P.Gregg, titled “Roller Skate,” describes a skate with a rhomboid wheelpattern, with smaller diameter wheels placed beneath the forward and aftends of the sole plate or frame and two different diameters of largerwheels extending to the sides of the frame. The larger wheels of theGregg skate provide more even movement over rough and uneven surfaces,while the smaller wheels provide additional support. However, thesmaller wheels disposed beneath the frame or sole, still result in aconsiderably higher sole plate than that of the present skate. Moreover,the rhomboid wheel pattern does not provide the stability of the presentskate, with one wheel disposed generally at each corner of the frame.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 266,978 issued on Nov. 7, 1882 to Norman W. Darrow,titled “Wheel Skate,” describes a two wheeled skate, with the two wheelsgenerally disposed diagonally to one another. The sole plate or frame issuspended between the wheels to move vertically as the skater removesand applies his or her weight to the skate. A system of gears, chains,and ratchets is provided between each wheel and the frame, for drivingthe wheels in a forward direction as weight is applied to the frame bythe skater and the frame is driven downwardly; the arrangement ratchetsto allow the wheels to rotate freely upon upward movement of the frame.The Darrow skate is more closely related to an operator propelledmachine than to a skate, and in any event, the lack of wheels at eachcorner of the frame and the vertically movable frame relative to thewheels, both teach away from the present skate.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 1,751,942 issued on Mar. 25, 1930 to Robert Nanz,titled “Roller Skate,” describes a two wheeled skate having the wheelsdisposed generally diagonally from one another on opposite sides of theskate. Each wheel is secured to the upper end of an arm which extendslaterally upwardly from the base platform or sole plate of the skate,somewhat in the manner of the skate of the Hubbard '117 U.S. Patentdiscussed further above. The use of separate arms for attaching thewheels and provision of only a single wheel on each side and the lack ofstability provided thereby, result in a skate configuration considerablydifferent from that of the present roller skate invention and havingconsiderably less stability.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,476,399 issued on Nov. 4, 1969 to Lawrence A.Finn, titled “Skates,” describes two different embodiments of a twowheeled skate, with the wheels disposed laterally oppositely to oneanother. The second embodiment has relatively large diameter wheelsinstalled on vertically offset axle stubs, with the center of the axlebent downwardly to pass beneath the relatively short (fore and aft) soleplate. Separate instep and heel straps are provided, but the Finn skateis rendered relatively more complex by having two separate attachmentpoints on each side of the skate. The provision of only two wheelsclearly fails to provide the stability provided by the present skate,with its four wheels disposed generally at the corners of a channelstructure having a rectangular planform.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,708 issued on Nov. 24, 1992 to Chan I-Chuan,titled “Double-Foot Plate Pedaling Skate, describes an operatorpropelled device comprising essentially two joined skates with two soleplates and six wheels. Two wheels are installed between the two plates,with the two plates eccentrically linked together by the two centerwheels. The other four wheels are attached to the outboard edges of thetwo plates on eccentrics similar to the center eccentrics, with eachplate being level but 180 degrees opposed to the other relative to wheelrotation, due to the eccentric connection. The operator pumps the twoplates upwardly and downwardly to produce rotary motion due to theeccentric action. The relative motion of the two sole plates is unlikethe relatively constant level plates of the present skate.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,763 issued on May 23, 2000 to Raymond L.Adams Jr., titled “Roller Bouncer And Wave Board Skate,” describes askate having a somewhat conventional wheel configuration, with fourrelatively small diameter wheels disposed beneath a lower plate.However, an upper shoe attachment plate is disposed above the lowerwheel attachment plate, with a series of springs installed therebetween.While the Adams, Jr. skate may provide an interesting recreational ride,the height of the device with its closely adjacent lower wheels andsprings separating the wheel platform from the shoe support platform,result in a relatively unstable device in comparison to the presentroller skate.

[0015] British Patent Publication No. 221,445 accepted on Sep. 11, 1924,titled “Improvements In And Connected With Wheeled Skates,” describes athree wheeled skate having two relatively large laterally disposedwheels at the front and a single large diameter wheel laterally offsetto the rear. As the only drawings illustrating the wheels with the skatebody are plan views, it is not possible to determine the relative heightof the wheel axles relative to the skate body or sole plate. However, itwould appear that no effort has been made in the British PatentPublication to provide a relatively low sole plate. The combination of arelatively high sole plate or skate body or frame, with the tricycleconfiguration, results in considerably less stability than provided bythe present roller skate invention.

[0016] British Patent Publication No. 403,250 accepted on Dec. 21, 1933,titled “Improvements In Roller Skates,” describes several embodiments ofthree and four wheeled skates. Each of the four wheeled embodimentspositions the wheel axles either below or coplanar with the sole plateor frame of the skate, rather than above the plate as in the presentinvention. While the '250 British Patent Publication does discloseembodiments with some of the wheel axles above the sole plate, these areall three wheeled skates with a single relatively small diameter rearwheel extending rearwardly from the sole plate or frame. The lack ofstability provided by a tricycle configuration has been noted furtherabove.

[0017] Finally, British Patent Publication No. 1,318,039 published onMay 23, 1973, titled “Roller Skates,” describes a skate having arelatively conventional configuration, with four relatively smalldiameter wheels disposed directly beneath the front and rear portions ofthe sole plate or frame. The primary distinction of the skate of the'039 British Patent Publication appears to be the forming of arelatively thick support structure integrally with the sole plate, andthe use of rubber or plastic material for the support structure and soleplate. The lack of stability of the relatively narrow wheelconfiguration of the skate of the '039 British Patent Publication, hasbeen noted further above.

[0018] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly orin combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention comprises a roller skate having variousnovel features providing increased stability and safety over earlierdeveloped skates of the related art. The present skate is formedessentially of a relatively short length of a sturdy, generallyrectangular channel having opposed upstanding side walls and a soleplate or floor extending therebetween. A non-skid coating or sheet isdisposed upon the sole plate to provide good grip for the shoe sole ofthe skater. A relatively large diameter wheel is placed at each end ofeach side wall to form a rectangular wheel array, with the wheelsextending beyond the side walls and ends of the frame for optimumstability. Instep and heel straps extend from attachment pointsgenerally medially placed along the upper edge of each side wall.

[0020] The relatively deep side walls, in combination with the largediameter wheels, place the sole plate of the frame immediately adjacentthe underlying surface when the wheels are resting upon the underlyingsurface. This provides even further stability for the present skate. Thewheels may be adjustably secured to the frame side walls if desired, byproviding a series of axle attachment holes at varying heights throughthe side walls at each wheel location. Adjustment of the lateral spacingof the wheels may be provided by installing sleeves, spacer nuts, etc.on each wheel axle between the wheels and the frame side walls, asdesired. This allows the skater to place the wheels even furtheroutwardly from the side walls, for even greater stability if so desired.

[0021] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to providea roller skate having greater stability than wheeled skates of therelated art.

[0022] It is another object of the invention to provide a roller skatehaving four widely spaced large diameter wheels disposed at the cornersof the skate frame in a rectangular array, to provide a stable skateplatform.

[0023] It is a further object of the invention to form the skate frameof a short, sturdy length of channel having a floor or sole plate withopposed upstanding walls, with the wheels extending outwardly from thewalls so the sole plate is positioned immediately adjacent theunderlying surface for greater stability.

[0024] Still another object of the invention is to provide a rollerskate including means for adjusting the wheels both vertically andlaterally relative to the skate frame.

[0025] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which isinexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing itsintended purposes.

[0026] These and other objects of the present invention will becomereadily apparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027]FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a pair of thepresent roller skates being worn, showing their general features.

[0028]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a single roller skateaccording to the present invention, showing further details thereof.

[0029]FIG. 3 is an end elevation view in section of an alternateembodiment roller skate according to the present invention, showingvarious details thereof.

[0030] Similar reference characters denote corresponding featuresconsistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The present invention comprises a roller skate having a novelstructure providing much improved stability over conventional skates ofthe related art. FIG. 1 provides an environmental perspective viewillustrating a pair of the present skates 10 in use. The present skate10 has a width sufficient to place the wheels 12 to the outside of thecentral frame 14 which cradles the skater's shoe S, thus allowing thesole plate of the frame 14 to be dropped beneath the plane of the wheelaxles 16 to reside immediately adjacent to the underlying surface whenthe wheels 12 are resting thereon, generally as shown in FIG. 1 of thedrawings. The wheel axles 16 extend from the forward and rearward endsof the frame 14, thus providing a relatively long wheelbase foradditional stability.

[0032]FIG. 2 provides an exploded perspective view of the skateembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, and serves to illustrate structuraldetails providing the features noted above. The skate frame 14 comprisesa laterally and longitudinally symmetrical channel having a relativelyshort length 18 to allow the heel H and toe T of the skater's shoe S toextend therebeyond. This allows the skater to tip his or her shoe Sforwardly or rearwardly to drag either the toe T or the heel H on theunderlying surface for accelerating, braking, or maneuvering as desired.As the present skate 10 places the skater's shoe S very close to theunderlying surface, the tipping of the foot forwardly or rearwardly toplace the toe T or heel H in contact with the surface, is easilyaccomplished and requires only a slight angular deflection of the footand shoe S. The width 20 of the frame 14 is sufficient to cradle theskater's shoe S therein, generally as shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] The frame 14 has a rectangular planform, as shown clearly in FIG.2 of the drawings. This rectangular form defines four corners 22 for theframe 14, with one of the axles 16 being immovably affixed (i.e., boltedin place so that they cannot move during operation of the skate 10)generally at each respective corner 22 to extend laterally therefrom.The four axle bolts 16 are preferably secured to the frame 14 at thesame level relative to one another, to define an axle plane 24 (shown inthe embodiment of FIG. 3) through the frame (frame 114, in FIG. 3).Provision may be made to reposition the axle bolts vertically in theframe, but they are still considered to be immovable during skateoperation.

[0034] The four wheels 12 have relatively large diameters, and are allequal in diameter to one another. The wheels 12 may be the same as thoseused on two wheeled scooters of various sorts (e.g., Razor”; scooter,etc.), or similar wheels providing the required size and durability. Therelatively large diameters of the wheels 12, along with the axleattachment adjacent the ends or corners 22 of the frame 14, results inthe radii of the wheels 12 extending forwardly and rearwardly beyond thelength 18 of the frame 14, as shown clearly in FIG. 1 of the drawings.This provides a, relatively long wheelbase for the skate 10, providingexceptional longitudinal stability for the skate 10. Laterally opposedpairs of wheels 12 define a lateral span 26 thereacross which extendsbeyond the width 20 of the frame 14, as shown in FIG. 1. This provides arelatively wide track for the present skate 10, for exceptional lateralstability for the skate 10.

[0035]FIG. 2 provides a clear view of the frame 14 of the present skate10, illustrating its features. The frame 14 is preferably formed as aunitary structure of extruded aluminum channel having relatively thickwalls (e.g., ¼ inch or so) for good durability and strength. The frame14 has a generally rectangular cross section (excepting the open top),with opposed first and second side walls, respectively 28 and 30,extending upwardly from the edges of a sole plate or floor 32 whichextends laterally between the lower edges of the two side walls 28 and30 and is formed integrally therewith.

[0036] The four axle bolts 16 are inserted into corresponding threadedholes, e.g., holes 34 a, 34 b, or 34 c, formed through the vertical sidewalls 28 and 30 above the sole plate 32, thereby positioning the soleplate well below the axle plane 24. FIG. 3 illustrates thisrelationship, with the sole plate being designated as component 132 ofthe frame 114. The positioning of the axle bolts 16 well above the soleplate 32 (or 132, in the skate 100 of FIG. 3), results in the radii ofthe wheels 12 extending only slightly below the bottom of the sole plate32 or 132, thus placing the sole plate 32 or 132 immediately adjacentthe underlying surface and providing the desired very low center ofgravity and resulting excellent stability for the skate 10 or 100.

[0037] The three different axle bolt holes 34 a, 34 b, and 34 c at theframe corners 22, provide vertical adjustability for the axle bolts 16and thus the wheels 12 of the skate 10. While three such threaded boltholes 34 a through 34 c are shown at each corner 22, it will beunderstood that a single bolt hole may be provided if no verticaladjustability is desired, or two or more holes may be provided forvertical adjustment. The three holes 34 a through 34 c may be diagonallyoffset from one another as shown in FIG. 2, to provide greater edgedistance between adjacent holes. Thus, the height of the axles 16 abovethe sole plate 32 is easily adjusted to adjust the proximity of the soleplate to the underlying surface, by selectively securing the axle bolts16 in any of the holes 34 a through 34 c as desired. Lock nuts 36 may beused to fix the axle bolts 16 immovably in their respective bolt holes.

[0038] The present skate 10 is secured about the skater's foot and shoeS by cooperating first and second instep straps, respectively 38 and 40,and first and second heel straps, respectively 42 and 44. The two firststraps 38 and 42 are secured to and extend from a common first strapattachment hole 46 formed through the first side wall 28 of the frame14, with the two second straps 40 and 44 secured to and extending from acommon second strap attachment hole 48 formed in the second side wall30. The two holes 46 and 48 are positioned laterally across from oneanother, and are preferably medially disposed along the lengths of theirrespective side walls 28 and 30 to provide for the desired longitudinalsymmetry of the present skate 10. Strap attachment bolts 50 and nuts 52may be used to secure the respective strap ends to the walls 28 and 30.

[0039] Each of the first straps 38 and 42 has a D-ring 54 extending fromits distal end, with the two second straps 40 and 44 each havingmutually mating or adhering first and second portions 56 and 58 of hookand loop fastener material (e.g., Velcro®) disposed upon the attachmentsurface 60 thereof. Each second strap 40 and 44 is looped through theD-ring 54 of its respective first strap 38 and 40, and folded back overitself to secure the two mating fastener surfaces 56 and 58 to oneanother, thereby securing the instep strap assembly 38, 40 and the heelstrap assembly 42, 44 respectively over the instep and heel of theskater's foot and shoe S. A non-skid coating 62 (roughened surface,rubberized sheet, etc.) may be applied to the sole plate 32, to providea better grip for the skater's shoe S within the skate frame or channel14.

[0040]FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present skate10, designated as skate 110. Most components are identical to those ofthe skate 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, with corresponding components generallydesignated by three digit reference numerals with corresponding secondand third numbers, i.e., frame 14 for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2and frame 114 for FIG. 3, etc. The skate 110 of FIG. 3 differs from theskate 10 of FIG. 2 primarily in that the axle bolts 116 are flat headbolts, rather than having protruding heads as in the bolts 16 of theskate 10. The axle passages 134 are correspondingly countersunk from theinner sides of the two side walls 128 and 130, thus providing a smoothand flush inner surface for each of the side walls 128 and 130 topreclude marring of the skater's shoes therein. An additional liner (notshown) may be installed along the inner surfaces of the side walls 128and 130, in the manner of the nonskid coating 162 if so desired, toprovide further shoe protection.

[0041] While only a single axle hole or passage 134 is illustratedthrough each side wall 128 and 130 of the skate 110 of FIG. 3,additional holes (not shown) of different heights could be providedthrough the two side walls 128 and 130 if so desired, in the manner ofthe holes or passages 34 a, 34 b, and 34 c of the skate 10 of FIGS. 1and 2. Also, while only the axle passages 134 are illustrated throughthe side walls 128 and 130 in FIG. 3, it will be apparent that the strapattachment passages (not shown) may also be countersunk with flat headbolts passing through from the inside surfaces, in the manner of theaxle bolts 116.

[0042] The skate 110 of FIG. 3 also provides for the lateral adjustmentor spacing of the wheels 112 by means of a series of different lengthspacers or sleeves, e.g., 164 a, 164 b, and 164 c, which may beinterchangeably installed on the corresponding axle bolt 116 betweeneach of the wheels 112 and its adjacent side wall 128 or 130. If arelatively narrow and compact lateral track width is desired, then theshorter spacers 164 a may be installed on the axle bolts 116 between thewheels 112 and their corresponding side walls 128 and 130 of the frame114. For an even narrower track, a relatively thin, conventional washer(not shown) may be used in place of the sleeves 164 a.

[0043] In the event that greater lateral stability is desired,intermediate length sleeves 164 b or longer sleeves 164 c may beinstalled on the bolts 116, as desired. Various combinations of sleeves164 a through 164 c, and/or washers, may be used to adjust the spacingas desired, with the maximum lateral spacing of the wheels 112 beingdependent only upon the length of the bolts 116 and the need to avoidcontact between the two facing components of each skate 110 of a pair ofskates while skating. The assembly is held in place by lock nuts 136 orequivalent, secured to the outer ends of the axle bolts 116. It will benoted that FIG. 3 is somewhat simplified, in that details of wheelbearings, seals, etc. are not shown, in order to provide clarity in thedrawing Figure and to clearly illustrate the novel and inventivefeatures of the present skate. However, such components areconventional, and may be provided during manufacture and/or assembly ofthe present skate.

[0044] In conclusion, the present roller skate in its variousembodiments provides a novel construction which in turn provides manyadvantages in terms of safety and stability over skates of the relatedart. The placement of the sole plate or floor of the skate body or framevery close to the underlying surface when the skates are in use,provides superior stability in comparison to earlier skates having theirwheels disposed beneath the sole plate. While relatively low sole plateshave been developed in the past, as exemplified by the related art ofrecord, none of those skates provided four widely spaced wheels at thecorners of the skate frame to provide the stability of the presentroller skate.

[0045] The vertical adjustability of the wheels of the present skateprovides further advantages, in that the height of the sole plate may beraised relative to the underlying surface by moving the axle bolts tohigher bolt holes or passages in the side walls of the skate frame.While this sacrifices some stability, it allows use of the present skateover relatively rough and/or uneven surfaces, where the bottom of thesole plate might otherwise drag upon various protruding irregularitiesextending from the underlying surface. The present skate allows theheight to be adjusted as low as possible for smooth surfaces, whilestill allowing the skate to be used on relatively rough and unevensurfaces as well, which operation is facilitated by the relatively largewheels of the present skate.

[0046] Moreover, the lateral adjustability provided by the present skateconstruction provides further benefits, particularly on rough or unevensurfaces, or perhaps for the novice skater. The present skate has fargreater lateral stability than earlier skates of the related art, againdue to the low sole plate or floor of the frame, the widely laterallyspaced wheels, the fact that four wheels are provided in a rectangularpattern at the corners of the frame, and the relatively large diameterof the wheels. Yet, an experienced skater, or a skater skating on asmooth surface, may wish to narrow the track of the skate, whichadjustment is easily accomplished by means of the replaceable sleevesdiscussed further above.

[0047] Yet another advantage of the present skate is its lateral andlongitudinal symmetry, as there is no such thing as a “left” and a“right” skate with the present roller skate. Each skate provided foreach foot is identical to the other, with perhaps the only differencebeing the installation of the first and second attachment straps. Eventhis difference is easily changed by the user to position either thefirst or the second straps to extend from either the first or the secondattachment holes to place the first strap D ring and folded second strapto the inside or outside of the shoe, as desired. Thus, the presentskate will be seen to provide much needed advances in safety and utilityin comparison to earlier skates, and will find widespread popularityamong skaters.

[0048] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limitedto the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and allembodiments within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A roller skate, comprising: a laterally and longitudinallysymmetrical frame having a length, a width, and a rectangular planformdefining four corners; first through fourth axles each immovably affixedto and extending generally from one of said corners of said frame, anddefining an axle plane; first through fourth large diameter wheelshaving equal diameters to one another and each installed upon one ofsaid axles; each of said wheels having a radius extending beyond saidlength of said frame, defining a long wheelbase for stability; each pairof laterally opposed said wheels having a lateral span extending beyondsaid width of said frame, defining a wide track for stability; and saidframe including a sole plate extending laterally across said frame andbelow said axle plane, disposed immediately adjacent an underlyingstructure when said wheels are resting upon the underlying structure. 2.The roller skate according to claim 1, wherein said frame comprises asturdy channel having a generally rectangular cross section with a firstside wall and a second side wall opposite said first side wall, withsaid sole plate extending therebetween and formed integrally therewith.3. The roller skate according to claim 2, wherein said channel is athick walled aluminum extrusion.
 4. The roller skate according to claim1, wherein each of said axles has a height above said sole plate,further including: means for selectively installing each of said axlesto said frame, for selectively adjusting said height of said axles abovesaid sole plate for adjustably vertically positioning said sole plateabove the underlying surface.
 5. The roller skate according to claim 1,further including means for selectively adjusting said lateral span ofsaid each pair of laterally opposed said wheels.
 6. The roller skateaccording to claim 1, further including: a first instep strap and afirst heel strap extending from a first strap attachment point of saidframe; a second instep strap and a second heel strap extending from asecond strap attachment point of said frame; said first strap attachmentpoint and said second strap attachment point disposed laterally oppositeone another; each said first strap having a distal end with a D-ringextending therefrom; and each said second strap including an attachmentsurface with mating first and second fastener means disposed thereon forlooping through a respective said D-ring and foldably securingtherearound.
 7. The roller skate according to claim 6, wherein saidfirst and second fastener means comprise mating strips of hook and loopfastening material.
 8. The roller skate according to claim 1, furtherincluding a non-skid coating disposed upon said sole plate of saidframe, for providing a good grip for the sole of a skater's shoe placedwithin said frame.
 9. A roller skate, comprising: a sturdy, laterallyand longitudinally symmetrical channel having a length, a width, and agenerally rectangular planform defining four corners; said channelfurther having a first side wall, a second side wall opposite said firstside wall, and a sole plate extending therebetween and formed integrallytherewith; first through fourth axles each immovably affixed to andextending generally from one of said corners of said channel, anddefining an axle plane; first through fourth large diameter wheelshaving equal diameters to one another and each installed upon one ofsaid axles; each of said wheels having a radius extending beyond saidlength of said channel, defining a long wheelbase for stability; eachpair of laterally opposed said wheels having a lateral span extendingbeyond said width of said channel, defining a wide track for stability;and said sole plate being disposed immediately adjacent an underlyingstructure when said wheels are resting upon the underlying structure.10. The roller skate according to claim 9, wherein said channel is athick walled aluminum extrusion.
 11. The roller skate according to claim9, wherein each of said axles has a height above said sole plate,further including: means for selectively installing each of said axlesto said channel, for selectively adjusting said height of said axlesabove said sole plate for adjustably vertically positioning said soleplate above the underlying surface.
 12. The roller skate according toclaim 9, further including means for selectively adjusting said lateralspan of said each pair of laterally opposed said wheels.
 13. The rollerskate according to claim 9, further including: a first instep strap anda first heel strap extending from a first strap attachment point of saidfirst side wall; a second instep strap and a second heel strap extendingfrom a second strap attachment point of said second sidewall; said firststrap attachment point and said second strap attachment point disposedlaterally opposite one another; each said first strap having a distalend with a D-ring extending therefrom; and each said second strapincluding an attachment surface with mating first and second fastenermeans disposed thereon for looping through a respective said D-ring andfoldably securing therearound.
 14. The roller skate according to claim13, wherein said first and second fastener means comprises mating stripsof hook and loop fastening material.
 15. The roller skate according toclaim 9, further including a non-skid coating disposed upon said soleplate of said frame, for providing a good grip for the sole of askater's shoe placed within said frame.
 16. A roller skate, comprising:a frame having a length and a width, and including a sole plate; firstthrough fourth axles extending from said frame; first through fourthwheels, each installed upon a respective one of said axles; each of saidaxles having a height above said sole plate; means for selectivelyinstalling each of said axles to said frame, for selectively adjustingsaid height of said axles above said sole plate for adjustablyvertically positioning said sole plate above an underlying surface whensaid wheels are resting upon the underlying surface; each pair oflaterally opposed said wheels having a lateral span extending beyondsaid width of said frame, defining a wide track for stability; and meansfor selectively adjusting said lateral span of said each pair oflaterally opposed said wheels.
 17. The roller skate according to claim16, wherein said frame comprises a sturdy channel having longitudinaland lateral symmetry and a generally rectangular planform defining fourcorners; said frame further having a first side wall and a second sidewall opposite said first side wall, with said sole plate extendingtherebetween and formed integrally therewith; each of said axlesextending from said first and said second side wall, adjacent one ofsaid corners; each of said wheels having large diameters equal to oneanother and each installed upon one of said axles; and each of saidwheels having a radius extending beyond said length of said frame,defining a long wheelbase for stability.
 18. The roller skate accordingto claim 16, wherein said channel is a thick walled aluminum extrusion.19. The roller skate according to claim 16, further including: a firstinstep strap and a first heel strap extending from a first strapattachment point of said frame; a second instep strap and a second heelstrap extending from a second strap attachment point of said frame; saidfirst strap attachment point and said second strap attachment pointdisposed laterally opposite one another; each said first strap having adistal end with a D-ring extending therefrom; and each said second strapincluding an attachment surface with mating first and second fastenermeans disposed thereon for looping through a respective said D-ring andfoldably securing therearound.
 20. The roller skate according to claim16, further including a non-skid coating disposed upon said sole plateof said frame, for providing a good grip for the sole of a skater's shoeplaced within said frame.